Ask anyone about summer events in Traverse City and chances are they’ll mention National Cherry Festival. We assume you know it, love it, and already have it in your calendar, so here we’ll focus on some events you might be less familiar with.

Here’s our rundown of five up-north summer festivals that you don’t want to miss.

A celebration of many of the things that make northern Michigan great, the Traverse City Wine and Art Festival is a smorgasbord of northern food, wine, and art accompanied by an eclectic mix of live music. Held on the font lawn of The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, the event gets summer started in style. Find out more about Traverse City Wine and Art Festival.

Celebrate our great nation breaking the shackles of British colonialism at the Glen Arbor Fourth of July Parade. This event is a favorite with both the locals and the vacationers. It features classic cars, fire trucks, and an assortment of local personalities, businesses, and organizations. Don’t be alarmed if the Cherry Republic Bear makes an appearance too! Find out more about the Glen Arbor Fourth of July Parade.

Time flies when you’re celebrating Life, Liberty, Beaches, and Pie in northern Michigan! Hard though it may be to believe, Cherry Republic turns 25 this year! Naturally, we'll be celebrating that milestone in true northern Michigan style! Find out more about our 25th Anniversary Party.

A highlight of the summer for both locals and vacationers, the Traverse City Film Festival brings a slew of great movies to town. Growing steadily since 2005, the Traverse City Film Festival has become one of the largest and one of the most respected film festivals in the nation. Get the scoop on why you shouldn't miss the Traverse City Film Festival.

If you're looking for an excuse to listen to some great music, sample an array of great beers and ciders, and have a ton of un, look to further than Summer Microbrew Festival. Featuring a ton of delectable craft beers, some great music from near and far, and great local food, Summer Microbrew Festival is another can’t-miss event. But if that's not enough to convince you, here's some more information on the Traverse City Summer Microbrew Festival.

Bonus Event: National Cherry Festival – July 5 – 12, 2014

A festival dedicated to celebrating the ruby red morsel of joy? How can you not love the National Cherry Festival?

The festival highlights cherry edibles of every description, along with parades, live music for the whole family, and carnival rides. Even the U.S. Navy makes an appearance in the form of the world-famous Blue Angels.

Consistently ranked among the top festivals in the nation, National Cherry Festival is not one to miss.

So there you have it. Five (well, six actually) great summer festivals that you'd be out of your mind to miss. So get yourself up north and join the fun!